Class: Grade 8, General Science Unit: Volcanoes Topic: Introducing Volcanoes
Instructional Objectives:
Brainstorm what students know and want to learn about volcanoes.
Analyze causes and effects of volcanic eruptions and the ability of scientists to forecast volcanic activity.
Classify the effects of volcanic eruptions as destructive or constructive.
Introduction:
Now that the students have learned the internal processes of volcanoes and rocks and have learned about ash and its effects on humans and habitats, we shall move on to learning about the characteristics of volcanoes themselves. I will explain to students that it is important to learn about volcanoes because, in order to be prepared for eruptions and save lives, we need to understand the warning signs and the effects.
I will say, “Today is the day you have all been waiting for since the start of this unit. Today we will finally begin our discussion about volcanoes themselves! We will begin our day by completing a KWL chart which will illustrate; what we know, what we want to know, and (at the end of the unit) what we have learned about volcanoes. After this is complete, we will be watching two different videos about volcanoes to help get the ball rolling on constructive vs. destructive forces of volcanoes.”
In order to begin our discussion of volcanoes I will begin today's lesson by having the students' complete KWL charts. These charts will help me to determine the students' prior knowledge of volcanoes and what they are interested in learning about volcanoes. Once I know the class's interests, I can include some of the topics into my future lessons if the ideas have not been incorporated already.
Activities & Assignments:
17 minutes: Students complete a KWL chart about volcanoes and discuss as a class.
20 minutes: Students view a video about the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.
20 minutes: Class discussion - analyze destructive effects of eruption and how scientists try to reduce risks.
20 minutes: View another video which shows constructive effects of geothermal activity.
20 minutes: Class discussion - analyze constructive effects of volcanic eruptions. Begin homework assignment - write one paragraph discussing what was learned about constructive effects and one paragraph about what was learned about destructive effects referencing what was seen in the video and discussed in class.
Materials Needed:
Textbooks
NOVA video: In the Path of a Killer Volcano
Newton's Apple video: Geothermal Energy
Paper for KWL charts
Resources for Lesson:
O'Donnell, C. (2000). Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools; Catastrophic Events. Burlington, North Carolina: Carolina Biological Supply Company.
Unit: Volcanoes
Topic: Introducing Volcanoes
Instructional Objectives:
Introduction:
Now that the students have learned the internal processes of volcanoes and rocks and have learned about ash and its effects on humans and habitats, we shall move on to learning about the characteristics of volcanoes themselves. I will explain to students that it is important to learn about volcanoes because, in order to be prepared for eruptions and save lives, we need to understand the warning signs and the effects.
I will say, “Today is the day you have all been waiting for since the start of this unit. Today we will finally begin our discussion about volcanoes themselves! We will begin our day by completing a KWL chart which will illustrate; what we know, what we want to know, and (at the end of the unit) what we have learned about volcanoes. After this is complete, we will be watching two different videos about volcanoes to help get the ball rolling on constructive vs. destructive forces of volcanoes.”
In order to begin our discussion of volcanoes I will begin today's lesson by having the students' complete KWL charts. These charts will help me to determine the students' prior knowledge of volcanoes and what they are interested in learning about volcanoes. Once I know the class's interests, I can include some of the topics into my future lessons if the ideas have not been incorporated already.
Activities & Assignments:
Materials Needed:
Resources for Lesson:
O'Donnell, C. (2000). Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools; Catastrophic Events. Burlington, North Carolina: Carolina Biological Supply Company.
2 videos listed above
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